Precision Combustion, Inc. will develop a process to make effective use of intermittent solar power by employing a multi-functional material (calcium carbonate; CaCO3). This material enables the alternating capture and release of solar energy, while simultaneously converting carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) to syngas, which is then readily convertible into a range of chemicals or fuels. The conversion process will make use of DOE's concentrated solar power technology. In Phase I, work will include testing to determine the best temperature and CO2 to CH4 ratio for syngas conversion, materials characterization, determination of cycling performance, process modeling for mass and energy balances, and a preliminary technoeconomic analysis.

Project Benefits

This project allows carbon-emitting operations to avoid the considerable costs of transporting and providing long-term storage of captured carbon, delivers a valuable energy resource (chemicals or fuels), and benefits the nation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.